This is an extraordinary collection of great bear stories from the early American West. Here are little-known tales of grizzly and black bears and the people such as hunters, cowboys, settlers, and naturalists, who encountered them. The stories are always exciting, sometimes tragic, and occasionally humorous. Together, they vividly illustrate the behavior of bears and people as the frontier was settled and they capture both the fascination and fear that pioneers experiences with bears, especially the grizzly, the great bear that inspired awe and respect from all who encountered it.